A network of fine capillaries connects the arteries and the veins. The blood flo

Question

A network of fine capillaries connects the arteries and the veins. The blood flows from the heart through large arteries, which subdivide and deliver blood to the capillary system. Each capillary is very small, about 10-6 m in radius, but there are so many of them that the total cross-section area through which the blood passes is about 0.2 m2 for the entire capillary system. This total area for the capillaries is greater than the crosssection of a single vessel (such as the aorta) through which all blood flows. The average speed the blood moves through a capillary is

a) faster than through the aorta.
b) slower than through the aorta.
c) the same speed as through the aorta.
c) any of these, depending upon the length of the aorta.
d) none of these

Explanation / Answer

b) slower, think of a river where it narrows, the water flows faster because there is less area for the same amount of water to pass through, so it must flow faster.

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